Background material for each agenda item is available online under the Board Meeting Materials link

Recognitions

2006 Middle School Health Educator of the Year

The board recognized Cathy Hailey, health educator at Kiser, Northwest and Northern middle schools, as the 2006 Middle School Health Educator of the Year.

Consent Agenda

The Board approved the following items on the consent agenda:

- Personnel Action Reports

- Resolution for Acquisition of Land at Eastern High School Property

- Contract to Purchase Replacement School Buses

Staff Reports

Update on Eastern High School

Superintendent Grier presented to the board an update on Eastern High. The board approved for staff to move forward with the modular village concept at Eastern for grades nine through 12, pending approval of funding from the Guilford County Commissioners at their January 18 meeting.

Very Strong Needs (VSN) Update

Dr. Eric Becoats, chief of staff, presented to the board an update of the VSN program at the Academy at Lincoln . The board approved for staff to conduct an audit to determine the effectiveness of the VSN program.

The board also voted that no changes will be made to the program at Lincoln until 2009, and that any recommendations for the future of the program be deferred to the Advanced Learners (AL) committee, who will be reviewing GCS' AL program. Additionally, board member Amos Quick will serve as the liaison from the committee to the board.

U.S. Department of Education Character Education Grant

The board approved a contract with the Character Development Group to provide services as project director of the Middle School U.S. Department of Education Character Education Grant for the 2006-07 school year for a total amount of $173,799, as presented by Dr. Terrence Young, chief information and student services officer.

School Construction Update

Discussion of this item was deferred until the special called meeting on January 4.

Update on Low Performing High Schools

Dr. Mack McCary, chief academic officer, presented to the board an update on low performing high schools in Guilford County . Follow-up discussion will take place during the January 9 regularly-scheduled meeting.

AYP and ABCs Update

Discussion of this item was deferred until the January 9 regularly-scheduled board meeting.

Cumulative Promotion Index (CPI) Graduation Rate Update

Discussion of this item was deferred until the January 9 regularly-scheduled board meeting.

Reports from the Chairman

2007 Legislative Agenda

The board voted to conceptually approve the 2007 Legislative Agenda, with final components being voted on at the January 4 special called board meeting.

The board approved to endorse the "Pledge to America 's Schoolchildren," which is a grassroots campaign designed to positively impact Congressional action in support of the nation's schoolchildren. The board approved two letters to members of Congress requesting that they commit to this pledge, and a thank you letter to Congressman Mel Watt for already committing.